free hand

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Ms. Rodríguez doesn’t have an entirely free hand in the dictatorship.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 13, 2026

"So I had a free hand to launch reforms, as long as Spain's unity was not endangered."

From Barron's • Nov. 5, 2025

In the prior regime, Sheridan had been given a free hand creatively and on spending, which Ellison and his new executive team had reportedly signaled might not continue in the same way.

From MarketWatch • Oct. 29, 2025

The commission must approve exception appointments at the most senior grade, but below this level departments have a free hand to recruit.

From BBC • Nov. 20, 2024

With Héctor on her hip, she led us up the road, dragging the suitcase with her free hand, while Delsa, Norma, and I struggled with the pillowcases full of clothes.

From "When I Was Puerto Rican" by Esmeralda Santiago